Dhaka, Nov. 14 -- Canadian singer Shawn Mendes' call to "Free Palestine" has split his fanbase, drawing sharp rebukes from some who question his grasp of the conflict and praise from others who applaud his willingness to speak out.

The 28-year-old posted the message of solidarity with Palestine on Instagram on Thursday, addressing his 68.4 million followers and calling for an end to the killing of civilians.

"There is a genocide happening before our eyes," Mendes wrote, adding that children and families in Palestine had suffered for too long and needed help.

In the post, the "Treat You Better" singer said he had been educating himself about the issue to understand how he could make a difference. He also shared links to organisations ac...